The Rev. Dr. Walter G. Byrum, Sr.

   The Rev. Dr. Walter Graham Byrum, Sr., 61, of Winterville, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 26, 2016 with his family by his side.

   Walter, better known as “Mr. B.”, was born in Chowan County on March 31, 1955, and was the son of the late Murray Forehand Byrum and Grace Wilkins Byrum. While studying electrical engineering at North Carolina State University, Walter felt the call to go into the ministry. He attended Campbell University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education degree with applied major in organ and a concentration in mathematics. He received his Master of Divinity with Church Music degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary at Wake Forest and most recently his Doctor of Ministry from Campbell University in the area of worship.

   Ordained in his home church, Edenton Baptist, his experience in ministry and church music included past positions at First Baptist, Scotland Neck, where he served a 21-year tenure as Associate Pastor for Music, Worship, and Organist; Westfield Baptist in Dunn; Colerain Baptist; and the United Methodist Church in Lillington.

   Currently serving as the Associate Pastor-Minister of Music and Worship Arts at The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville, his graded choir program, youth, and adult ministries, reached children and families throughout the church and community. He was also serving as the church’s Facilities Manager.

   Walter held membership in the American Guild of Organist, the Choristers Guild, and along with his wife Teresa were members of the NC Baptist Singers and Orchestra. In addition to his various ministries, he taught elementary school music at Hobgood Academy for 11 years and played bass in the Tar River Swing Band in Rocky Mount and local groups. He also enjoyed fishing and restoring vintage electronic equipment and electric fans.

   Surviving are his wife of nearly 37 years, Dr. Teresa Brown Byrum; four children, The Rev. W. Graham Byrum, Jr. and wife Jeanna of Zebulon, Elizabeth Byrum Taylor and husband Ashley of Scotland Neck, Kevin Byrum and wife Leigh, and Corey Byrum, both of Winterville; and five grandchildren, Noah Wayne Byrum, AnaClare Joy Byrum, Grace Sandlin Taylor, Laura-Graham Eve Taylor, and Luke Graham Byrum.

   Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in The Memorial Baptist Church, Greenville, and will be officiated by his pastor,  The Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, and  by his son, The Rev. W. Graham Byrum, Jr. Burial will follow that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton. Friends may join the family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the church, and all other times at the residence.

   Miller Funeral Home and Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements.

   Flowers are welcomed, or memorial contributions in his memory may be made to The Memorial Baptist Church, 1510 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858, designated for Music Funds, or to a charity of one’s choice.

   Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.